September 09, 2010 |

NFC EAST
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1) Dallas Cowboys (11-5) – Trust me, I hate to pick the Cowboys to win ANYTHING. Year after year, they’re showered with preseason accolades. Yet, they’ve won a total of ONE postseason game in the last 14 years. I think the Cowboys and Eagles are fairly comparable in the NFC-East. However, based on strength of schedule, the Cowboys are being dealt a “gimme” win against the Cardinals toward season’s end.

I still think they’ll be the same old Cowboys we’ve expected in recent history; they’ll bow out early in the playoffs. And, I’ll guarantee Tony Romo has something to do with it.

2) Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

3) Washington Redskins (7-9)

4) New York Giants (7-9)
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NFC NORTH
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1) Green Bay Packers (12-4) – Honestly, is anyone picking against this Packers offense? While Aaron Rodgers is being touted as the prospective MVP, another breakout star is in the making in Wisconsin. Remember the name JERMICHAEL FINLEY. While he lines up at the tight end position, he possesses phenominal wideout speed and agility.

How good is Finley? Well, he led a formidable Packers corps in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns in the second half of the 2009 season. I’ll bet Brett Favre wishes he had such talent in Minnesota.

2) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

3) Detroit Lions (7-9)

4) Chicago Bears (5-11)
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NFC SOUTH
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1) New Orleans Saints (12-4) – I think they might be better than last year’s SUPER version. Why? Well, I can envision Drew Brees’ crew of receivers developing with experience. Specifically, I look for Robert Meachem to take a step forward and potentially become the Saints top wideout. Combined with a steady Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and the Heisman-less Reggie Bush, I’m predicting very busy Sundays for opposing secondaries.

2) Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

3) Carolina Panthers (9-7)

4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13)
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NFC WEST
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1) San Francisco 49ers (10-6) – Who could’ve imagined the 49ers would return to being such a prominent favorite, especially since they haven’t enjoyed a winning season since the Jeff Garcia era, 8 years ago? Of course, Mike Singletary’s team is aided by the departures of Anquan Boldin and Kurt Warner, in Arizona.

The 49ers are not an offensive juggernaut. But, they’re rightfully expected to pummel opposing offensive units. And, the ringleader of the 49er’s attack is the Ray Lewis of the west coast, Patrick Willis. Expect a lot of low scoring victories. Sound familiar Ravens fans?